6 
words “ Botanic Garden” or their equivalent in the language of 
the country, mean * Public Garden,” and sometimes the taxicab 
driver, accustomed to sight-seeing tourists, cannot quite believe 
that one really wishes the botanic garden, which commonly holds 
little of interest for the average “tripper.’ So when we said 
ims +9 
Orto Botanico”’ to the taxi driver in Rome he said “ Si,” and 
Fic. 17. Padua. R. Orto Botanico. Herbaceous beds. The highest 
ree in the central background is a Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria ex- 
celsa). (6969.) 
promptly took us to the Borghesi Gardens, quite like one of our 
American public parks, and devoid of anything of botanical in- 
terest. We then showed him a map of the city of Rome, such as 
is commonly on sale in the city, and pointed to the words “ Boran- 
ICAL GARDENS,” printed in large and small capital letters, near the 
Coliseum. Shortly we drove up to that place, only to find a vacant 
and abandoned lot, in which were growing a few half dead trees, 
poet 
and various weeds. Inquiry from policemen and facisti (who 
were everywhere) and from proprietors of stores and_ others 
